Omgosh!!! Hidden gem. Can't wait to go back. This was a Yelp find. Went for lunch with some concern related to "bar" food and atmosphere. It's a far cry from that. The food was amazing, the service was great and the ambiance was exactly up my alley and the type of indoor seating I adore. The decor was eclectic with various posters of old Hollywood starlets. The seating was a combination of high tops, white cloth tables and booths - something for everyone! There was additional seating in an adjoining room that appeared to be for overflow or larger parties. There is a bar side that was well stocked with bottles, patrons and seating. Parking was easy and close to the entrance. The area is away from the city and somewhat "out there", but that means it's not overcrowded. Now, to the food. The menu provides a nice variety of options. There was a lunch special - roast beef and potatoes. Who doesn't love a special?! The hot brown was huge and done to perfection. The fries were fresh cut - gourmet! The motor oil wings were large and plentiful, though I believe I would have preferred the smoked variety as the "oil" was too sweet for me. The baked beans were some of the best I've eaten. Sweet and full of added beef. I ordered cobbler to go and though a bit "bready", it was worth it. Though only downside was the wait for the food. I don't know if this was due to the home cooked items or was some other factor, but it was worth the wait. I adore this place and can only hope my visit didn't come too late to enjoy eating here for years to come. Everything was done right - even what the bill was delivered on. Kudos to the owner, manager and chef. read more

See all

The wings were the best part and only thing I'd recommend. The brisket sandwich was not flavorful and the bbq sauce on the ribs was very ketchup-like. Atmosphere and service were great, cute place, just stick with the wings! read more

I'd never been to Rubbies before and am never on this side of town, so the novelty was the highlight for me. We entered on the bar side because we didn't quite understand which door to use, but it was pretty easy to figure out once we came in and saw that one side is a bar and the other side of the swinging doors is the restaurant. I was intrigued by the Sunday fried chicken special but learned upon seating that it was sold out. I opted for the tenders with Rubbies sauce, plus fries with seasoning. I was not a fan of either. The sauce was sweet and just not for me. Together the two cost $20 which is beyond what I would normally pay for that combo. My companion had the burger, reported it as fine, and enjoyed the fries. Service was fine. They got our ticket wrong but corrected it. I don't intend to return, but glad I tried it. The place is worth a visit for the experience. Has a vibe of a place that's been around forever and has seen some things. read more

Rating based on just the hot brown because that's all I had: it's solid. A little pricey, the portion a little undersized, and not a true mornay sauce, but still really tasty. The inside is always quite eclectic and fun. I would've liked to have eaten in. I'd give it all a 3.5 if I could. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Kentucky Hot Brown - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Rubbies is a family owned neighborhood staple and one of our favorite places to eat for the last 25 years. In all the years and many meals I've had there, I can remember no more than two where I wasn't completely satisfied with food or service. The bar side has a pub atmosphere, seating at the bar and a few high tables. Juke box, dart boards, keno etc. The bar itself is a stunning hand-refurbished antique, beautiful to look at. Rubbies boasts an impressive selection of bourbons. The dining room has more seating, booths and tables and there is another room attached to it with more seating that can be reserved for parties and events. The food at Rubbies is always good. Some of my favorites are bourbon steak, brisket sandwich, smoked wings, their salads are great and my absolute favorite is their hot brown. A huge portion of turkey, bacon tomatoes and rich, flavorful mornay sauce baked to perfection. I've tried hot browns all over town and Rubbies is my favorite. Their house made ranch dressing is another standout. Today we went for lunch and I had the lunch portion of burgoo and a salad. Burgoo was delicious and filling and the portions were just the right size for lunch and not a bad value at $9. Alana is a pro behind the bar. We will always return to Rubbies. It's more than a restaurant, it's really part of the fabric of our lives for nearly 3 decades. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Lunch special cup of burgoo and salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

See all

Headed to Rubbies for burger week with a couple of friends. It was mid afternoon and most of the crowd was leaving as we were arriving so plenty of parking. We all ordered the specialty burger, cheddar cheese, onion straws, bourbon bbq sauce, with pickles, lettuce and tomato. I thought the burger was great, juicy and a great mix of flavors. One friend ordered a side salad that she enjoyed and i had french fries tgat wrre ok. But all in all a great burger, great service and a fun relaxing spot to catch up with friends. Outside of burger week Rubbies is one of our favorite resturants, . Great food, usually good service and a friendly neighborhood bar and grill. read more

See all

Great BBQ! Plus daily special posted on marquee Service friendly and with plenty of customers we received for lunchtime Plenty of menu options. Great for game day with huge projection TV's read more

Came here for lunch today and had a great experience. My toddler was with me and everyone was kind and patient with us. I got the half club sandwich which was awesome! I also got a cup of burgoo which had just the right amount of kick. My son had a grilled cheese and fries. The fries were well seasoned and I would definitely get more for myself next time I come by! Also, ordered smoked wings to go for my husband and he was really impressed. They were delicious! read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Southside Club Sandwich and Kentucky Burgoo Soup Side Cup - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This is a hidden gem, restaurant on one side bar on the other. You will be surprised by the decor here. Great variety of food options. We visited during hot brown week, so they were more busy than usual. I ordered a kids burger and fries. Quick service and friendly read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

As strange as this might sound to some, I chose to spend my ten year anniversary, with my life partner, eating Motor Oil Chicken Wings at Rubbies! I was given my choice of any restaurant in Louisville and I chose to go here. This place holds many great memories for us & never disappoints with outstanding food and great cocktails. It feels like home! read more

Tried this place for the first time and the Smoked Rubbie Wings did not disappoint as well as the Ranch dressing to dip. I had a moscato as well. Service was great ~ Suzanne was Awesome. It was quite busy and she provided excellent customer service in the midst of it all. Ambiance bar type setting after work & regulars. I will have to come back and try the motor oil wings. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Smoked Robbie wings - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Service by Dana was amazing. Loved the atmosphere - we discussed if we lived closer, it would def our local. Great cocktails, clean bathrooms. Salad, Bloody Mary, mule, lemon drops, and Burgoo were 10/10. The chicken fingers were breaded nicely with great flavor, but had a crazy chewy texture that was disappointing and a challenge to eat. We def will be back!!! read more

See all

Want to eat at an antique store and have stomach pain after? This is the place! Nestled in Southern Louisville somehow this creature that can't be called a restaurant was formed. I was eager to try the place after being rated so highly in Leo Readers but I was dumbfounded by the quality. It felt as if they rated this place so high as a universal gag and I mere fool for believing it. Ambiance is musty and crowded. AVOID AT ALL COST read more

I don't know what happened to Rubbies but it has really fallen off and it breaks my heart. A group of 7 of us came in at 1:00 for lunch. The place was busy, as usual, but certainly not slammed. The service was friendly but took a long time. The food is good, as always, but it took over an hour to get. Other tables were cancelling their lunch orders because people had to get back to work. This is the third time this has happened and I don't know what is up! I really, really hope they can get back to the Rubbies that I once knew and loved! read more

Been several times. Quirky little spot that does everything well. A little old/dated in the dining room, a lot of old Hollywood movie posters and pictures, but clean and cozy. Can't speak well enough of the food they serve. Spinach/Artichoke dip is amazing, and the Motor oil wings are a staple and a must try. Great burgers, and their smoked meats are great. They have a great Fried fish platter during lent, and daily specials that vary through the week. A lot of high end takes on basic comfort food with portions that are almost obscene. Hands down the best Bourbon selection in South end. The owner takes great pride in his bourbon, and offers the best Old Fashioned I've had in that part of the city. Nice bar next door that has a big patio. A really unique place that is worth the visit for a great meal or just a good bourbon. read more

Never a wrong choice when you dine here. The meatloaf Wednesday is fantastic and just talk to the chef; he KNOWS the drill.

If you have the notion that 'life is uncertain, begin with dessert', this is the place for you! Before we ordered our lunch, the owner/manager came by and highlighted their Peach Cobbler, that should be ordered before lunch, so that it will be finished baking by the end of your meal, so we did! Our friends ordered a Hot Brown that she described as the best ever! Her friend ordered Boneless Wings (tenders) with their signature ' Motor Oil Seasoned rub; again, a large helping and beautifully prepared. He loved the seasoning! My hubs had the Chicken BarBQue Platter, served with 2 sides ; wonderful baked beans and really good coleslaw, generous helpings. He said the chicken on the bun was too much chicken to handle as a sandwich, so he ate some and then put the rest in the bun. Rubbies offers a different special daily. Monday was Roast Beef and mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans, a trip down memory lane for me. My only suggestion for improving this standard is to lightly toast the bread before ladling on the beef and gravy. Finally l, after we were finished with the meal and had packed the leftovers for later, the cobblers arrived, steaming hot from the oven, topped with a large serving of vanilla ice cream and 2 spoons and plates for sharing. Wonderful! Great service, warm and welcoming atmosphere, down home sort of feeling, ample servings and moderately priced. read more

We had quite possibly the most fun ever at a BBQ place, not to mention a delicious dinner. Star expertly guided us to the best local IPA and steaks. We had never had Kentucky Burgoo before but it's an amazing smoky meat stew with vegetables and a hint of peppery heat. The chicken wings we started with were excellent and the peach cobbler dessert was outstanding. No soggy pie dough - just a fluffy biscuit topping that did not overpower the peaches. Toward the end of our visit, a big group arrived for a birthday party and a young boy belted out a version of Pink Pony Club that would make Chappell Roan proud. Star's mom Dolores helps out, and we enjoyed talking with her. Go! It may not look like much, but it is awesome and there are loads of Marilyn Monroe photos wherever you look! read more

Came during hot brown week- the restaurant was busy but service was great. Tried the smoked wings and they're quite good. Blue cheese was home made and delicious! We all got the hot brown and green beans both were great. Order the old fashion and it was delicious, very fruity and full! The restaurant is eclectic, lots of antiques and old Hollywood photos- it seems there are lots of regulars and you can tell why! read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Kentucky Hot Brown - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Food was really good, had a nice portion for the price. Pretty affordable too. Service was good and it was nice and clean inside. Definitely get the onion strings if you like onions, they were heavenly. read more

Yelping and Googling to find where to find Louisville's Famous Hot Brown and came upon several places, Rubbies being one of the top contenders for the area. They also had the smoked wings, bourbon, Burgoo (a stew that's almost like a chili but with a uniquely different savoriness to it), and brisket. They had it all so we decided to go for it. Wings were nice and smokey and the flavor was very good. Husband ordered a bourbon (when in Kentucky!) and was given several recommendations by our wonderful server, Sherri. He went with the Wellers 12 year, that had a really lovely finish. I ordered the Hot Brown and he ordered their brisket club with stringed onions. Oh, and we HAD to have a cup of the Burgoo, another "must try" when visiting Kentucky. Everything we had was REALLY GOOD! We were very happy with our selections. (It may take me some getting used to to have another crack at the Hot Brown...it was very rich and heavy. Took it home to try to chisel it down some more. ) The onion strings were delicious, the Burgoo was very good, the brisket sandwich was flavorful...overall awesome. You also have the benefit of NOT being in downtown, which I imagine would've set us WAY back in price, being downtown. Reasonably priced for the enormous amount of food we ordered. The place could use a little sprucing up, but I think that's part of its charm. One thing to consider. If you're interested in their peach cobbler, which I totally was, it does take 25 minutes to prepare as they make it in house and from scratch. We were in a time crunch so, sadly, we were not able to try it. So, if you want it, maybe halfway through your meal, order the peach cobbler so it'll be ready for the end of your meal. read more

See all

Smoked wings didn't taste smoked at all, in fact very little flavor. If you're a bbq joint then everything should come out on point!

Haven't been to Louisville in over a year and half, decided to have a mini reunion with fiancés family at Rubbies. Received friendly service and felt welcomed. Ordered the 'Pulled Pork Sandwich' and thought it was a little dry for my liking. Not that it wasn't good, just a tad on the dry side. The BBQ sauce was fantastic though. Looking at everyone else's food, it all looked really good. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Hickory Smoked Pork Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

The food was ok. Drink was giving tipsy. Waitress wasn't super happy to serve us it seems, she was focused on her other customers. I had to find her to checkout, couldn't find her, so another employee checked us out. I won't be back. read more

This is my second time here and both times I've been impressed by most of the food. My husband and I ordered the hot brown and it was full of flavor and so good. We ordered the potato skins appetizer which we didn't particularly care for. It was covered in raw onions which we can't stand. Just making a mental note of what not to order for the next visit. From previous visits I can report that the green beans, baked beans and chicken tenders are really good! The dining area is dated and in need of some TLC as it has a lot of wood paneling and the walls are cluttered. Some could argue that gives it character but just gives a dreary appearance in my opinion. The servers were very nice. We will return. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - The Kentucky Hot Brown - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Great hot brown. Good service and fast! Would come here again. Feels more like a local dive for those in the neighborhood. read more

First time checking out this establishment and I overheard the waitress telling a group of women that Rubbies has been there for thirty years.They must be doing something great because Kentucky Hot Brown was delicious and Rubbies Barbecue & Brew has one of the top three in our area.The place has a nice cozy and lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Kentucky Hot Brown - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This was an interesting dining experience. This restaurant reminds me of the greasy spoon Greek family restaurants of years past. Massive menu, the Americana decor everything. I felt like I was stepping back into the 90s but it had its charm. I went to Rubbies during Hot Brown week. The staff was talking about how it had been nonstop busy all day. This was noticeable, they were out of some stuff, my beer and someone else's drinks had to be subbed because they were out of it. I ordered the hot brown and my order was out quickly, it was everything I could have wanted in a down the middle standard hot brown. It was gooey and warm and feels like home to this Louisville transplant. I'd like to go back and try their more standard fair like the bbq in their name. I think if you have family in town who aren't super adventurous this is the place to go on the south side of town read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Kentucky Hot Brown - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Can you go higher than 5? Got here when they were very busy and understaffed. Didn't matter. They still did a great job taking care of me. The Kentucky Hot Brown was absolutely awesome. Visited while traveling for work. Traveling the next several weeks and will be back several times. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Kentucky Hot Brown and Fresh Made Side Salad - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I almost don't want to tell anyone about this hidden gem. The bourbon selection was off the chain. The food was from scratch. The bartendress was knowledgeable and all around amazing. Everything was delicious. If I lived in Louisville, I would be here often. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Fully stocked bar - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I wouldn't recommend this place to ANYONE of color. I wish we had checked the reviews before we went. We came for Louisville wing week. The servers were rude. One told us "just a minute" and never came back. The other came and rudely asked if we had been helped. She walked off and from across the room, yelled to ask us what we wanted to drink. (She didn't do this to the other tables). When she brought the menus, she practically moved my arm out of the way to set it down. When she brought our drinks, she threw the straws down on the table. We eventually got up and left. They are DEFINITELY racist and it's disgusting read more

This is their hotbrown "in a creamy cheese sauce". That is not a hot brown. The real deal is moray sauce. Shame on you. You should not call it a hot brown. Yuck!!!! read more

I was planning for a drive through Louisville with the family. This place is a rare place. They have a kids menu and an extensive bourbon list including flights. There aren't a lot of places in the world where you can get chicken tenders and fries for the kids while trying three Weller pours. This hit the spot. They were understaffed and it took a little while to get seated despite plenty of available tables but once we were seated, the service made up for it. Everything came out quickly and you can't go wrong with barbecue and bourbon for dinner. We were in and out in under an hour so it was the perfect stop. I'm not sure we could have parked, walked and waited in line if we had tried that downtown. read more

Rubbies Barbeque & Brew - Weller flight - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Love this place - the motor oil tenders are delish!!! I highly recommend this place. We always get carry out.

Great food, outstanding service for our group of 10 for lunch. We certainly will return. And the decor was certainly fun to look at! We highly recommend Rubbies for bar b que and other great eats ! read more

This place is a hidden gem. I have a house off of S 1st st. I forgot all about this place! So I go in today for lunch and it was great! The food was so good, the atmosphere and the waitress was amazing! I even got some food to go Needless to say I will definitely be back. read more

Ok, we love this place! Think back to backyard picnics and BBQ's. The sides are amazing and exactly what I would expect 20 years ago at a dinner, family restaurant, or picnic. The potato salad, coleslaw, and smoked baked beans are delicious. The smoky, motor oil wings are crispy and then the dipping sauce is sweet, savory, and can have just a touch of spice. They are messy, but amazing. The daily specials have been great and the jalapeño cream cheese appetizer is awesome! We've had burgoo, some bourbon steak (amazing sauce too), hot brown, brisket, fried chicken salad, and more. It's all been delicious. The 4 stars...service can be a little slow and one time the steak was very grisly. read more

Good bourbon list, decent beer selection, great service and mediocre food during our one visit. Your mileage may vary. The dinner salad was pedestrian; typical iceberg and maybe another lettuce a couple onions and two slices of hard boiled egg. The hot brown looked good but was too salty. I'd give it another shot based on the vibe and good service. read more

I went to Rubbie's to enjoy a band I knew that was playing there, but got hungry and decided to try some of the food while I was there. The space was incredibly unassuming. Posters of old Hollywood stars - particularly Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn - hung on the walls in the main dining area where the band was playing. But because it was so packed we ended up sitting in the bar to eat. I was in the mood for a cheeseburger so I ordered a Rubbie's burger and the Simon & Garfunkel fries. The reason for the 4 instead of 5 stars is simply because of the wait. We waited and waited. Yes, they were very busy that night so we were pretty patient. The person I was with ordered burgoo which theoretically should have come out fairly quickly - so I thought, assuming they had a batch ready to go for anyone who ordered. But it took at least 30 minutes to get that. After about another 15 minutes we asked about the burger - it seems our bartender had forgotten about it. About 10 minutes later it finally came out. I was a little annoyed but I will say that the burger was VERY good. Very juicy, well seasoned. Just a great class diner burger - something that seems to be increasingly difficult to find. The fries were also quite taste as they were dusted with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (like the Simon & Garfunkel song "Scarborough Fair"). The portion size was quite large as well. My boyfriend really enjoyed the burgoo - so much so that he ordered another cup to go. read more

We all ordered the wings with the motor oil sauce, you can't go wrong, this place is like walking back in time, very cool